Despite difficult circumstances facing the Jews, the prophet Habakkuk accepts that through any adversity he and the Jews were to face, that he would trust God, rejoice and be joyful in Him. If we place our trust in someone, other than Jesus, and that person goes away, our life can be turned upside down. It is easy to find security in the things we have. We need to take our eyes off the world and focus on Jesus. Happiness is dependant on circumstances. We need to have the joy that Habakkuk showed, one that defies circumstances. We need to trust in God in all circumstances, the One who never changes. God never grows tired and weary - He will give strength to those who need it.

The two men travelling on the road to Emmaus were discouraged about what had happened to Jesus. Their hope was dashed - things had not gone as they had expected. They did not realise that it was Jesus who had joined them on the road. We sometimes don't realise that Jesus has come along side of us on our own journey in life. The men's faith had been dented, but Jesus does not reveal Himself to them, but directs them to God's word for them to get a fresh understanding of what had just just happened. If you want to walk closer with Jesus then spend time reading God's word and find the risen Saviour! [Due to technical issue, this recording is not available]

When Jesus saves us, He calls us to work with Him and be involved in His ministry. We are to live as witnesses for Him, and, as Christians, we represent God in this world. Our responsibility is to go where Jesus is going and to pray as we go. Our walk with God will have victories, but it will also have defeats. Either way, we are to continue to preach the kingdom of God and to have a right relationship with Him.

The Pharisees role was to uphold God's law and ensure that the people were carrying out these laws. Throughout Jesus' ministry, He would challenge the Pharisees that it was not about their outward actions, but their internal attitudes that needed change. In this passage the Pharisees did not believe Jesus to be who he said He was, the Son of God. The friends of the paralysed man had the faith to bring him to Jesus, despite the difficulty in reaching Him. When Jesus calls Levi to follow Him, there was no hesitation in Levi's response in leaving everything to follow Jesus. The Pharisees could identify other peoples sin, but they could not see their own sin or be able to offer any hope to others. Only Jesus is the doctor who can offer a remedy for our sin, and He has already paid the bill. Do we get in the way of people meeting Jesus or are we helping instead? Do you see Jesus as a Saviour or as a religious leader that the Pharisees saw?

This passage illustrates the commitment required to truly follow Jesus. The three men here indicated a desire to follow Jesus, but all of them had conditions before doing so. They were not prepared to deny themselves, take uo their cross daily and fully commit to following Jesus. The concern they had for themselves and others came before what Jesus had to offer. Is there a relationship in your life that is more important than your relationship with God? Will you follow Jesus, no matter what the cost?